If things continue as they have been so far, we might be entering an important moment for the WNBA. WNBAThere's a lot of talent and star power in the 2024 draft class. One standout is Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, who is now playing with another potential star, Kamilla Cardoso, her former rival at South Carolina.
But it's not just about the Chicago pair. The excitement for the new players starts with Indiana’s Caitlin Clark and extends to players who made a name for themselves in college—Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson with the Sparks (Nos. 2 and 4 in the draft), Aaliyah Edwards of Washington, and Jacy Sheldon, now playing for the Dallas Wings.
Reese hasn't been drafted as high as some, but her performance over the past two years at LSU has put her in the national spotlight. Recognizing the significance of this moment for the league, Reese had a message for her fellow 2024 rookies after their collective preseason debuts this weekend.
On Twitter/X, Reese wrote, “I'm thrilled for all the rookies!!!”
WNBA's Future Being Shaped by Class of 2024
The WNBA is definitely happy to have all these new players. The success of this class will greatly impact the long-term financial stability of the WNBA as a business, separate from the NBA. Originally, the NBA supported the WNBA, and while that's no longer the case, the league has yet to break free of its niche sport status.
However, WNBA viewership has increased in recent years, and the league is hopeful that the immense interest in the NCAA women’s tournament this year, fueled by stars like Clark and Angel Reese, can be a defining moment like the 45 years ago when Magic Johnson’s Michigan State team faced Larry Bird and Indiana State.
The stage is certainly set.
“The biggest thing we’ve seen in college is when people gave it an opportunity and actually watched it, they continued to come back for more. And it’s the same thing with the WNBA. When you go and buy a ticket or turn on the TV, you see how good it is,” Clark stated, according to CBS Sports. “That’s the biggest thing, and that’ll take it to a place a lot of people can’t even imagine.”
Angel Reese Feeling Support of Veterans
While the rookies have the potential to change the game for those in the WNBA, who have long complained about low salaries, travel problems, and a small schedule and league membership, the veterans have been encouraging.
Reese took note of this, especially as she has already secured endorsement deals before her first training camp.
“They understand and they know our impact and they embrace that and we’re all just trying to go in the right direction, and I think we’re going up right now,” Reese expressed, via CNN.com. “Being able to see so many different things with the networks, with the ticket sales, with the jersey sales, like, I think we’re in a really great direction and having support from your vets is amazing.”
